3 reasons why India must consider recalling Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the Test squad
In what was a dream comeback, veteran Indian seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar blew away the Bengal top-order in an ongoing Ranji Trophy encounter. He picked up an incredible five-wicket haul as Uttar Pradesh bounced back after getting bundled out for 60 on the opening day of their group B match.
The 33-year-old stamped his authority and displayed astute control over his skills in adjusting his line and lengths accordingly. Bhuvneshwar troubled the batters with his swing and kept them guessing. The Indian seamer marked his first-class return by claiming figures of 5/25 from 13 overs, which included three maidens.
Although it was just his first appearance after a long injury layoff, Bhuvneshwar Kumar's performance showed that he can still make a comeback for the national side.
In this article, we will discuss three reasons why India must consider having Bhuvneshwar Kumar in their Test setup.
3 reasons why India must reconsider Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the Test
#3. Have a lot to offer to the Test side
A 33-year-old Bhuvneshwar Kumar may not have express pace to work with but he still possesses his mastery of swinging the ball.
In Tests, bowling has always been all about testing batters' technique and temperament. Bhuvneshwar can bowl in channels consistently and can take on that role for the Indian test side once again.
Add to this his more than handy batting down the order, and Bhuvneshwar can chip in with some vital runs for the side, which right now the Indian team is dearly lacking.
#2. Can help in a smooth transition
The Indian Test side is going through a transition, be it in batting, where the underfiring middle order has been under great scrutiny, or in pace bowling, where new bowlers have failed to make any significant impressions.
Bowlers like Prasidh Krishna, Mukesh Kumar, and Avesh Khan are yet to cement their spot in the squad. Bhuvneshwar Kumar's inclusion will add experience to their bowling department and help the youngsters make adjustments according to the pitches and conditions.
#1. Absence of experienced pacers
With uncertainty over Mohammed Shami's return to fitness and the workload management of Jasprit Bumrah, the selectors should look for the inclusion of another experienced customer in the pace attack.
The latter's inclusion will help in the rotation of the pace bowlers, which means there'll always be fresh legs for the Test series, be it at home or away.